Main Course
Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Capers

About this dish
A timeless combination of silky smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and briny capers, this dish is a British staple for brunch or a light lunch. Whether piled onto bagels, blinis, or a crisp salad, it's effortlessly elegant and full of flavor.
Drawing on the fine tradition of the Jewish deli and the British love for smoked fish, this recipe lets the quality ingredients shine with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
smoked salmon slices
protein200 g
Imperial measurement: 7 oz
full-fat cream cheese
dairy150 g
Imperial measurement: 2/3 cup
capers, drained
other2 tbsp
red onion, very thinly sliced
vegetable1/4 small
lemon, cut into wedges
fruit1/2 lemon
fresh dill, chopped
herb1 tbsp
freshly ground black pepper
spice1/4 tsp
toasted bagels or blinis, to serve
grain2 bagels or 8 blinis
Method
Prep the toppings
PT2MIf using, thinly slice the red onion and chop the dill. Cut the lemon into wedges.
Plate the salmon
PT2MArrange the smoked salmon slices on a serving platter or individual plates, folding them loosely.
Add the cream cheese
PT1MPlace the cream cheese in a small bowl or dollop it directly onto the plate alongside the salmon.
Scatter capers and aromatics
PT2MScatter the drained capers over the salmon. If using, sprinkle with the red onion and chopped dill. Finish with a few grinds of black pepper.
Serve with lemon and bread
PT1MServe immediately with lemon wedges and toasted bagels or blinis on the side.
Equipment
- Serving platter
- Small bowl
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For the best flavor, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before serving so it's soft and spreadable.
- If you're serving this as a canapé, cut the salmon into strips and spoon a little cream cheese and caper mixture onto each piece.
- You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and serve with gluten-free crackers to make this dish suit more dietary needs.
- Try adding a twist of lemon juice over the salmon just before eating to brighten up the flavors.
Serving suggestions
- Serve as an open-faced sandwich on toasted bagels, or as a elegant starter with blinis.
- For.
- For a lighter option, arrange on a bed of mixed greens.
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Recipe by
Imogen Hawthorne
Specialises in British cuisineImogen makes bangers and mash with onion gravy that she reduces for hours. She is a patient masher.
Describe yourself in three words: Mashy, oniony, banger queen.